
THOMAS BEKET, 



OR 



The Mitre and the Crown. 






LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Shelf i^i.ia^ 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



THOMAS BEKET 



The Mitre and the Crown. 



JK v\ 



-X^N. 



^ 



(FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION.) 




WORCESTER, MASS.. 
1883. 






Copyright, 1882, 

by 
ALFRED WATTES. 



TT may be well to state that when the latter portion of Scene VI., Act I. was printed it 
-'■was with the idea that some incidents would be subsequently introduced which, upon 
reflection, were rejected; it being considered preferable to confine the story strictly with- 
in the limits of historical probability. 

However unworfhy these pages may be to assume the dignity of type, it would be un- 
grateful to neglect this opportunity of expressing my sincere thanks to Mr. Franklin P. Rice 
for the care he has exercised in printing them, as well as for the entire freedom from any 
anxiety with reference to "proof" which his conscientious supervision has afforded me. 

A. W. 

Worcester^ Mass.., Nov.., i88j. 



'"pHE following pages constitute an endeavor to illustrate a great historical 
character, an attempt to interpret with sympathy and truth the workings 
of an intensely dramatic spirit. 

That Mr. Froude should enforce precisely opposite conclusions is not to 
be wondered at, nor even regretted ; the earnest apologist for Henry the 
Eighth must needs find little to admire in the character of Beket. 

Thomas of London, otherwise Thomas a Becket or Thomas Beket, pos- 
sessed almost every worldly honor. He was the favorite of his king and the 
mentor of his prince ; the most brilliant swordsman of his time ; the bravest 
soldier ; the admired of all admirers ; the envied of the weak and foolish. He 
yielded to the earnest solicitation of Henry, and was made primate, when, as 
if by miracle, the whole current of his being changed, and to the unbounded 
astonishment and rage of the king, he became as devoted to the interests of 
the church as he had previously been to the service of the state ; descended 
from the heights of ambition and stood firmly in what he conceived to be the 
path of duty. He is the only one in the long line of Lord Chancellors who 
ever voluntarily resigned, his power. When he did that, none knew better 
the difficulties that must beset him, how hate would usurp the throne of love 
and affection be replaced by cruelty. He faltered but once, when he con- 
sented to the Constitutions of Clarendon ; that was only the weakness of a 



(vi.) 

moment, he quickly withdrew the reluctant assent and resumed his solitary 
way. His every relative was banished, his every friend was exiled ; mis- 
fortune was heaped upon misfortune, and at each accession of misery he 
breasted trouble with a sterner courage ; deceived by those whom most he 
trusted and for whom he travailed, but supported by his convictions of duty 
and dying with the assurance of a martyr's crown. 

From thinking of him the mind is irresistibly attracted to the considera- 
tion of that other great churchman, the favorite of another Henry, Chancellor 
too, who stultified himself in the vain endeavor to gratify a king's caprice and 
who breathed out his soul in a wail of despair. 



THOMAS BEKET. 



PERSONS REPRESENTED. 

Henry il, King of England and Duke of Normandy. 
Thomas Beket, Chancellor of Enp-land, afterwards 

Primate. 
Theobald, Primate of England. 
Richard, Archbishop of York. 
Henry, Bishop of Winchester. 
Gilbert Foliot, Bishop of London. 
Hilary, Bishop of Chichester. 
Robert, Bishop of Hereford. 
JocELYN, Bishop of Salisbury. 
Bartholomew, Bishop of Exeter. 
Walter, Bishop of Rochester. 
Roger, Bishop of Worcester. 
Hugo, Bishop of Durham. 
Robert, Bishop of Lincoln. 
FiTz Stephen, ^ 

Edward Grim, ' Friends and servants 

John of Salisbury, ( of Beket. 

Herbert de Bosham, J 
John of Oxford. 
Renouf de Broc. 



PERSONS REPRESENTED. 

Sir Richard Lucy. 

Richard Brito. 

William Tracy. 

Reginald Fitz Urse. 

Hugh Morville. 

CoNiGSBY, De Broc's servant. 

Fool. 

Laban, a Jew. 

Humet, page in the court of Henry ii. 

Matilda, mother of Henry ii. 

Eleanor, wife of Henry ii. 

Ethel, Daughter of Laban. 

Courtiers, Monks, Exiles, Peasants, etc. 

Time, a. d. 1157 - 11 70. 



THOMAS BEKET 



OR 



THE MITRE AND THE CROWN. 



Act I. 

Scene i. A street in Westminster. Noise as of a pro- 
cession passing. Shouts heard : '' Long live the King s Chan- 
cellor." 

Bekefs Fool. Ay, ay, cheer again. Now for my part, I 
cannot conceive why men should express pleasure like ill- 
mannered curs, by barking -and capering round about one. 

Here comes De Broc's man, Conigsby, a snuffling puppy, 
who will fawn in the day-time, when he can be seen ; and 
bite at night when he cannot. 

(sings) William De Conigsby ^^^ 

Came out of Brittany 

With his wife Tiffany 
And his maide Maufas 
A7id his dogge Hardigras. 



6 THOMAS BEKET. [Act I. 

Enter Conigsby. 
Conigsby. What mischief art brooding- over now ? 
Fool. I am in a study of caninity. 
Cojt. Fool ! 

Fool. Dost know what makes the fool ? 
Co7i. .Why lack of sense. 

Fool. But sense is relative. He that serves, serves an 
abler. Hark ye, I would rather be Beket's fool than some 
men's counsellor. 

Coil. Then thy master is a fool, he serves the King; and 
wears the sign of folly in the frippery he hangs about him. 

Fool. He who ekes out poverty of mind by wealth of 
dress, lacks sense ; and who lacks sense, thou sayest, is a 
fool : now Beket doth not lack sense ; ergo, there are more 
fools than those that wear motley. 

Con. Leave me, fool. 

Fool. Leave me, corpse. I see the effigy upon thy tomb. 

Con. By the Abbey of Glastonbury !^^^ What meanest 
thou? 

Fool. Thy face is an effigy, and thy skull a tomb. 

Con. Still in the dark. Thou earnest thy light in a dirty 
lanthorn. 

Fool. Let me illuminate. Our wise men tell us that the 



Scene I.] THOMAS BEKET. 7 

mind 's the man. If that be true, his mind being gone, the 
skull is but a tomb for dead ideas. Thou hast heard tell of 
men with one foot i' the grave ? those are they with half an 
understanding, with as litde wit as wheelbarrows, and serve 
to trundle others' thoughts about the world. 

Con. Truly, a wise fool. 

Fool. Not so. A fool is not wise, and yet I am wise to 
be a fool. We are of the learned profession ; sworn brothers 
to lawyers and physicians : for like lawyers we live by lying ; 
and like physicians by giving people doses we should hate 
to take ourselves. 

Con. Most learned lawyer, wilt secret for secret? 

Fool. If it be a good one, I '11 change it for thee. 

Con. Wouldst earn some honest money? I can put thee 
in the way on't. 

Fool. This is April. My purse hath been to let ever since 
last Christmas-tide. 

Con. Good. 

Fool. Nay, 'tis very bad. 

Con. Beket had you whipped last week. 

Fool. I think he did. 

Con. The Bishops and the Barons are even now in coun- 
cil, impatient of the tyrannous insolence of the Saxon. They 
are eager to be rid of him, and are resolved to. 



8 THOMAS BEKET. [Act I. 

Fool. Brave resolution! 

Con. He is the burden of my master's curses day and 
night. Now he would examine some of Beket's household, 
and pay 'em roundly too, if they'd inform him the secret of 
Beket's power o'er the King: witchcraft, by some 'tis thought; 
something even baser, others; and so think I, I know what 
are the duties of a royal favorite. 

Fool. Take care, there's a monstrous spider at your ear. 

Con. (excitedly) Is 't gone? I hate spiders ! 

Fool. What a fuss about a fly catcher ! Yet I have known 
a pretty creature look you, would scream with horror at the 
idea of a louse upon his bonnet, who yet with .smuggest face 
would gladly hatch uncleaner thoughts beneath it. In an 
hour or two, when that wisdom hath discovered thy wits, 
seek out the fool and tell him how thou likest his philosophy. 

\^Exit. 

Con. What can he mean ? \^Exit. 



Scene ii. 

Large room in the palace at Westminster ; Henry seated. 

Henry. Murmuring again, those pious prelates 
And most obedient loyal vassals. 
Their haughty spirits fret against the curb : 
The pampered steed becomes refractory, 
Which with hard discipline and scanty fare 
Will inoffensive trot in sober harness. 
We'll top their lofty pride whose strength was founded 
On my predecessors' weaknesses : 
Feeble authority shall be restored 
To health, and outface tower'd insolence. 
If determination can accomplish aught, 
I will be truly monarch, and control 
The church, as well as rule the state. Patience! 
Patience! events are slow in ripening; 
But the fruit must not be plucked too soon 
Or bitterness doth reward the taster. 
Barbarossa's council late at Pavia 
Held Victor true successor of Saint Peter. 
Alexander, at Agnani, boldly 



lO 



THOMAS BEKET. [Act I. 



Hath excommunicated Frederick, 

And released his subjects from allegiance. 

Had I a primate now subservient: 

But Theobald, there is my stop ; yet he 

Is old and feeble, and must soon depart 

The way of all good bishops; and then, then, 

Beket shall sit in Canterbury's chair, 

And I will dictate terms to humbled Rome. 

Enter page ivith a letter in his hand. 

Boy, come hither, what hast thou there ? Hand it 
To me. Was't given thee? Canst tell by whom? 

Page. By none sire, I chanced upon it in the passage. 

\^Exit. 

King, (reads) "To King Henry, servant of his servant." 

Enter Fitzstephen. 

Malicious accusation ! The devil 

Had a hand in that though a priest penned it. 

^Handing the letter. 
Read Fitzstephen, it imports your master. 

Fitz. This is a Tyrell's shot,^^^ aimed at the deer 
Though meant to pierce a kinglier heart. 

King. By the eyes of God thou sayest truly ! 



Scene IL] THOMAS BEKET. 1 1 

Go upon the instant, to our Chancellor; 

The Prelates and the Barons are in counsel, 

Bent on opposition to our sovereign will. 

Bid him attend and stop their brawling: 

He best can deal with soldier and with priest, 

Who fears to encounter neither. \^Exeunt. 



Scene hi. 



Large hall. Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury ; 
Richard, Archbishop of York ; Gilbert Foliot, Bishop of 
Londo7i ; Henry, Bishop of Winchester ; prelates, abbots and 
monks. 

Foliot, Bishop of London. By the advice of the Chancellor, 
our King 
Had scarce declared war against Toulouse, 
When the Prelates and the Abbots are informed 
That they must pay the charges. Hence the tax 
Of shields is levied on us, and the Saxon, 
The arrogant, insulting Beket, threatens 
Those who hesitate, with the dire effects 
Of Henry's anger. Say, shall we answer 
This proud impertinency with humble 
Condescension, and reverse the maxims 
Of ecclesiasticism, which forbid us 
To shed blood and anoint the palms of those 
Who clutch the sword and live by slaughtering? 
Or shall we call on Pope to answer King 
And threaten England with an interdict? 



Scene III.] THOMAS BEKET. 13 

Henry, Bishop of Winchester. When that my brother 
was King of England, 
Such an offence as this occasioned him 
The bitterest repentance, 

Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury. Scarce can I 
Beheve that he whom I have nurtured 
As mine own, should, with sacrilegious thoughts 
Bind up the hands which can alone deal out 
Redemption. 

Foliot. Beket heeds the present, he 

Recks not on the future ; but see, he comes. 

Enter Beket. 

Beket. Most rev'rend, learned fathers, 1 greet you 
In the names of Peace and Charity. 

Foliot. Peace 

And Charity ! when thou would'st seize the goods 
Of holy church to aid you in your schemes 
Of conquest! Nay, rather should you greet us 
In the names of Hecate and Bellona. 

Beket. Are you one of the Princes of Peace ? 
It is strange under what banners hatred 
Can enlist recruits. The Kingf doth not as 
Beggars do, entreat your alms, but as befits 
An honest man. claims payment of a debt. 



14 THOMAS B EKE T. [Act I. 

You owe him something I presume? 

Foliot. In common 

With my brethren here, a debt of gratitude 
For his care in the selection of friends 
And chancellors. 

Beket. Envy cheers a dauntless heart 

Far more than plaudits buyable. By the 
Sao-e advice of his friend and chancellor, 
The King will enforce his warlike policy : 
Therefore I pray you to comply at once 
With his desires. 

Theobald. In this we will not yield: 

This is a thing ecclesiastical, 
Removed from temporal rulers, 

Beket. He who 

Cannot, will not, pay the debt is bankrupt 
In loyalty, and I, by the King's leave, 
Threaten 

Theobald. Silence sir! 

Beket. I '11 not be silent 

Until thou art true. You have sworn to be 
Loyal subjects of our King; I demand 
The pious fulfillment of that promise. 
He who denies me is the King's enemy. 



Scene III.] THOMAS BEKET. 1 5 

Theobald. Dar'st thou threaten us ? Know that we in 
turn 
Can threaten, and can wield mightier bolts. 
If thou pursuest aught 'gainst Holy Church, 
Myself will excommunicate thee, 
Banish thee from every sacred rite. 
From present happiness and future hope. 
Presumptuous man, puffed up with power, 
Thou mount'st on royal favor to smite God 
In the face. Down rebellious spirit 
On your knees, and pray to be delivered 
From the evils now impending over you. 

(The aged Archbishop staggers, Foliot and the Archbishop 
of York step forward and support him.) 

It hath cost me much to say thus much to him. 

Beket, Beket thou hast forced this from me. 

I long have sorrowed and have prayed for thee ; 

I cherished thee with Jacob's love, and thou 

Hast brought my gray hairs in sorrow to the grave. 

(Theobald falls into the arms of Foliot ; Beket starts to aid 
him, but the dying Archbishop motions hi^n away.) 



Scene iv. 

Falaise. Room in the castle of the Ditke of N^ormandy 
Henry, Matilda, Eleanor. 

Matilda. Is't true, I hear your messenger hath sailed 
For England, with orders to the Bishops 
Most peremptory, that they this Beket 
Do elect, without delay, to the see 
Of Canterbury, made vacant by the death 
Of Theobald? 

Henry. Nothing can be more true. 

Matilda. And nothing was ever more unwisely done. 
Henry, be advised by me ; place not that 
Power in the hands of your Chancellor ; 
You will rue it else. 

Henry. Never. By his aid 

Have I achieved success in every undertaking. 
Have cropped the growing pride of the Norman 
Barons; and compelled the haughty clergy 
To walk with greater caution. He shall be 
Primate ; and I in matters spiritual 
Will decide, as well as temporal. 



Scene IV.] THOMAS BEKET. 1 7 

Matilda. I distrust him wholly; why, I know not. 
When evil's imminent, the danger's felt 
Before it is revealed. 

Henjy. Tell me now. 

Should faithfulest servant unrewarded toil 
Because of womanish suspicion ? 

Eleanor. Fear him not Henry, he is far too fond 
Of gallantry and dainty cheer to assume 
The pinched features of austerity. 
Sensual men are seldom false to comfort ; 
Their appetites are sureties too valued 
To be sacrificed upon the altar 
Of imagined duty. 

Matilda. I am suspicious, 

I like him not, and must in your judgment 
Suffer ; for reason stands aloof and will 
Not plead for me. 

Eleanor. Now if his disposition 

Were that of Louis, my late loving spouse,''*^ 
You might have cause to fear; for he's more fit 
For a hermit's cave, with meagre diet 
And penitential discipline, than to wear 
A royal crown and be a nation's glory. 

Matilda. I have my thoughts but will not utter them. 



1 8 THOMAS BEKET. . [Act I. 

Henry. I pr'y thee tell me every doubt. 

Matilda. To have 

Them slighted? No. 

Eleanor. Henry, our Empress Mother 

Would rather break her heart with suffering 
Than relieve it by a bold avowal 
Of her suspicions. 

Matilda. That is the burden 

Of a love-song stolen from a troubadour.^'^^ 
Is it not Eleanor? 

Eleanor, (aside) Hush! 

Henry. Your finger 

On your lips madam? When wives and widows 
Signal one another, husbands are in danger. ^Exeunt. 



Scene v. 

Bekefs residence, Falaise, Normandy . Reading desk with 
manuscript copy of the New Testament upon it. 

Beket. This morn, I saw some wretched Paterines/*'^ 
With branded front and lacerated shoulders: 
Uncharitable winter, as they passed. 
Whistled up fierce hunger's hounds, to track them 
Till they perish. Religion with ungentle hands 
Had closed the eyes of sweet compassion. 
That hate alone might gaze on heretics. 
They marched forth serenely confident. 
As if God led them. I quailed beneath the glance 
Of one of these whose look did question me : — 
"Wouldst thou thus much for righteousness?" 
Truth sprang to my lips and answered "no." 
Pale resolution fled my countenance, 
_And traitor shame did hoist his ensign there. 
Though these men sinn'd and justly were condemned; 
Yet I was never humbled so before. 
What was't that humbled me? What was't made them 
Insensible to pain? Nay, welcome 



_j 



20 



THOMAS BEKET. [Act I. 



Suffering with smiles as 'twere a blessing? 
Hell had no share in that. Sometimes I think 
The world's hatred secureth heaven's love, 
And earth's despised are God's nobility. 

Enter Humet. 

What news Humet? 

Humet. The King doth hither come 

And bade me say, within the hour he wished 
To speak with you. 

Enter Henry and Sir Richard Lucy. 

Henry. And near outstripped a tardy 

Messenger: owe were in haste Beket; 
For jocund hearts and lazy heels go ill 
Together. The long wished for day hath come, 
And I do now with heartiest will, greet thee 
As England's Primate. 

Beket. As England's Primate? 

Heard I aright? 

Henry. You did. My trusty friend 

Sir Richard Lucy, here shall tell the story. 

Lucy. When the late Archbishop died, 'twas I 
That hither brou8:ht the news. I then received 
The King's commands, and signified 's pleasure 



Scene v.] THOMAS BE KET. 2 1 

To the Bishops, that his Chancellor 
Should fill the vacant chair of Canterbury. 
At the words, as if by magic changed, 
Each face put on grim consternation's mask, 
And hesitation, like an evil spirit, 
Gripp'd their tongues, lest they should acquiescence 
Yield to duty. 'Twas Babel come again: 
I something heard, but nothing understood. 
Thus time went on, no progress made; I called 
Again and ventured to expostulate : 
They, bolder grown, found speech to urge objections; 
One exclaimed in tones of menace : — "Dare we 
Insult heaven and desecrate the chair 
Of Augustine, by placing a hunter 
Therein, learned in sport but ignorant 
Of scripture ; and by making a worldling 
And a lover of war, the almoner 
Of heaven and the minister of peace?" 
Beket Foliot said that. 

Lucy. 'Twas he, Gilbert Foliot. 

Still another said: — "This courtly hireling 
Will overthrow the Church as he did erst 
The gallant Frenchman ;^^^ will put his foot upon't 
And cry, 'surrender to .my King.' " 

Henry. And that 



22 



•THOMAS BEKET. [Act I. 



Was Jocelyn of Salisbury. 

Lucy. Some days 

Ago, I bore the final order thence, 
Somewhat impatiently perchance, did tell 
These reverend fathers that their fooling 
Had incensed the King; I gave them time enough, 
An hour. Reminded them what they'd forgot, 
So rapt in pious duties, that the King 
Had weakly condescended to request 
What he did now demand ; and 't should go hard 
With them if they did not compliance make 
Within the limit specified. At this 
My exorcism, all hesitation vanished. 
I scanned the list, but one dissentient. 

Beket. That was Gilbert Foliot 

Lucy. Who sneering said : — 

■ 'The King hath worked a miracle this day. 
Hath turned a layman into an archbishop; 
And a soldier into a saint." 

LLenry The first 

Fair wind, thou must, for consecration there. 
To England. Return as quickly as thou canst; 
We must confer anent the papacy. 
My Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, 
You shall be even with the Bishops yet. 



Scene V.] THOMAS BEKET. 23 

The throne is empty when its rule 's unprized, 
The king" 's uncrowned whose wishes are despised. 

\^Exeuiit Henry, Lucy and Humet. 

Beket. "A layman turned into an archbishop, 
A soldier into a saint." If that should 
Prove true now. 

Enter John of Salisbury. 

What, John Petit, you are thrice welcome here. 
Your Polycraticus^'^'' hath much to answer for. 

John. Hath my poor book caused you to look with favor 
Upon the succession to our master 
Theobald ? 

Beket. Nay rather hath occasioned 

The only doubt I entertain about 
The matter. 

John. Doubt ? 

Beket. Yes. Doubt of my power 

To withstand temptation, doubt of myself. 
The King-; I would not be thought ungrateful. 

John. Can there be ingratitude in doing right? 

Beket. But the conflict that must come ; I have laughed 
In the very face of death, yet am frighted 
By a thin imagination. If 'twere distant. 



24 THOMAS BEKET. [Act I. 

I could nerve my will to work my purpose. 

It is the now that scares us ; small things seen near 

Are large, o'ermastering feeble sense. 

A gnat in flying close before our vision 

Assumes an eagle's bulk ; thus in the mind's eye 

The little present often fills the field 

And shuts out larger duties. 

John. Miserable, 

Purblind mortals that we are, to salute 
The servant at the gate, and turn our backs 
Upon the glory of the coming master. 

Beket. What meanest thou my son ? 

John. That the present 's 

But the hireling of the future: eternity 
Is lord of time. 

Beket. That 's true. 

John. Then think of that. 

The rest is easy, resolution 's all ; 
With that for a support we may attain 
To loftiest deeds, 

Beket. Yet 't is very difficult, 

Abelard, your one time master, ^^-^ found it so. 
It is easy to dash into the midst 
Of strife, to fight nobly in the excitement 
Of the battle, and after a brief hour, 



Scene v.] THOMAS BEKET. 25 

Return crowned with victory; but to gaze 
Adown the vale of years, to choose your path 
And follow it ; to conquer wild desire, 
Disdain the smiles of siren fortune; 
At every step the way more sombre ; 
And, as you near the end, to see the hopes 
That had till now sustained you, fade away 
Into the mists of time. The task is not 
An easy one, good John of Salisbury. 

John. If it were, 't would not be worth the doing. 
The value of the conquest is balanced 
By its difficulty. To crush a worm 
Is not a victory; to kill a dragon 
May be counted one. He who would achieve 
Great deeds, must have a hermit's patience 
And a martyr's courage. 

Beket. Polycraticus, 

Again you are in the right. Said I not 
Wisely, your book hath much to answer for? 

JoJni. I have forborne congratulation 

Beket. ' You 

Are right. The wise man with indifferent eye 

Regards all human honors. The ignorant 

Thinks his merit wronged by others' recompense. 

He who hath aught to give, is praised most 



26 THOMAS BEKET. [Act I. 

By those who hope to gain it. Flattery 

Links arms with death ; Agrippa, in his proudest 

Moment, beheld them thus, and with a sigh, 

Fled from this lying world/^*^^ My faithful friend. 

Go to the abbey yonder ; leave me to thought ; 

And while you 're absent, let your fervent prayers 

Be intercessors for me ; the envied 

Most have need of them. \^Exit John. 

What can he do 
Who would reconcile the irreconcilable. 
Be Primate, faithful to his obligations, 
Yet bate no jot of friendship for the King? 
Thus hedged around by sad perplexities, 
Whichever way I turn the thorns point at me. 
I have known men when earthly counsel failed, 
Haphazard turn the pages of the Holy Book 
And read the passage where the index rested. "^^^^ 
That now, I '11 venture on, and if it speak 
To me in language clear and unmistakable, 
I '11 hold it as the voice of the Divine, 
And heed the sacred mandate. 

(Seats himself and reads.) 

"No man can serve two masters: for either 
He will hate the one, and love the other; or he 
Will hold to the one, and despise the other. 



Scene V.] THOMAS BEKET. 2 7 

Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore 
I say unto you, take no thought for your hfe, 
What ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet 
For your body what ye shall put on." 

(Beket closes the book and rises from his seat 7nuch agitated.) 

If ever the Holy Book directed 

Erring mortal's steps, mine should not wander now. 

What a flood of light illumes my path ! 

The gloom and darkness gone for ever. 

Self love doth blind us, oh ! what fools are we, 

Hoodwink ourselves, and say we cannot see. \Exit. 



Scene vi. 

A street in Westminster . Enter Fitz Urse and Sir 
Richard Lucy. 

Fitz Urse. So the King hath made him Primate. 

Lucy. Ay, wherefore let us rejoice ; 't will afford him 
greater means to entertain his friends withal; but in that 
before, he was no sluggard, no Norman ever behaved so 
bountifully. 

Fitz U. Ha, ha! Rare sport 'twill be to hunt and wan- 
ton with an archbishop. 

Lucy. He '11 make a royal primate. 

Fitz U. He is not yet a priest. 

Lucy. But to-morrow will be one; to-morrow priest, next 
day archbishop. 

Fitz U. He will be consecrated at Canterbury you say? 

Lucy. At the hands of my Lord of Winchester at Can- 
terbury. 

Fitz U. Let us hasten thither. 



Scene VI.] . THOMAS BEKET. ' og 

Lucy. Can we be there in time to witness the pompous 
ceremony? 

Fitz U. We shall be late for prayers but in time for din- 
ner. Ha, ha! \^Exeu7tt. 

Enter Tracy and Brito. 

Tracy. But he refuseth. I heard him tell the Kingf that 
he could not accept the boon ; pointed to his plumed cap, 
his costly dress, and bade him say if those were the marks 
by which one should know an archbishop. 

Brito. Ay, and told the King he rejected the gift to pre- 
serve the friendship. 

Tracy. Here comes one can tell us more. 
Enter Fitz Stephen. 

How likes the King" Beket's refusal? 

Fitz StepJien. Refusal ? The King hath overborne his 
scruples. Gilbert of London alone opposed the election, 
and in his spleen declared that the King had w^orked a mir- 
acle ; had turned a layman into an archbishop, a soldier into 
a saint. 

Omnes. A layman into an archbishop, a soldier into a 
saint. \^ExeiLnt. 



30 THOMAS BEKET. [Act I. 

Enter Fool aiid Laban. 

Fool. Why Laban, thou seem'st in pain, hast coined "^^^^ a 
tooth to-day? If thou wert not a Hebrew, Appolonia*^^^^ now 
would help thee; but Christian Saints are deaf to Jewish 
prayers. 

Laban. Good master, there 's a maiden in the court, a 
little girl, fifteen years agone, that was in Stephen's time, 
they took her from me; then she was two years old, yet she 
loved me. They forced her to be baptized, may be now she 
hath forgotten her poor father. Because I tried to get her 
back, I can trust you, they banished me, and on pain of death 
forbade my entrance here to look upon my child. Thus do 
the Christians inculcate the teaching of our Rabbi Hillel 
which they do term "The Golden Rule." 

Fool. There is a maid who hath a Jewish face and is at- 
tendant on the sister of our new Archbishop. 

Laban. Her name's Rebecca? 

Fool. By my faith, 'tis not. They call her Ethel. ' 

Laban. Rebecca is a sweeter name ; it was 

Her mother's : sacred are the memories 

That cling around it, whose tendrils will not 

Loose their grip till the appointed, blessed 

Time. Good master, hast ever marked her eyes? 

The soul of an angel looked upon me 



Scene VI.] THOMAS BEKET. 3 1 

Through them ; they would bend on me so trustingly, 

I have felt ashamed that I was human. 

She hath walked with me upon the margin 

Of a precipice, and seen no danger 

In its awful depth because her hand held mine. 

Laughter slumbered in the dimples of her cheek, 

Sometimes I bade it wake that I mig-ht watch 

The neighbor features join in the merry riot. 

Fool. Here she comes on her way to mass; see if she be 
your lost Rebecca. 

Enter Ethel. 

Ethel. A fool and a Jew! Rare company! (To the Jew.) 
Why do you stare at me so rudely? Out of my way, let me 
pass you dirty Jew ! \^Exit. 

Laban. God of my fathers, 'tis my daughter! S^Exit. 

Fool. There 's a rare touch of human nature. How many 
of us do despise the things that we would reverence under 
other names. 

Now that old fool should, like the owl, be dimly seen by 
night; the neighborhood is something dangerous for an Is- 
raelite. There! they begin to sport with him. There goes 
a stone at him. A moving argument. He turns this way; 
he gave me six pennies once, I '11 hazard something to pro- 
tect him. 



32 THOMAS BEKET. [Act I. 

(Enter Jew and peasmits beating him.) 

Hold! Hold! What's the trouble now? I here do consti- 
tute myself judge of this court. Greater fools have tried 
weightier causes. Speak, slave ! what is thy grievance ? 

Peasant. This Jew is one of those that stole a Christian 
child, and, in horrid mockery of our faith, did crucify it on 
last holy Friday. 

Fool. This cannot be true. 

Peasant. I '11 take my bread and salt on 't. 

Fool. Laban, what hast thou to say to this? 

Laban. 'T is a lie as false as human pity 
When it bids us live to suffer. Every 
Evil passion is let loose to bait us ; 
Ours, a weight of misery to none other 
Comparable ; heirs to a thousand years 
Of Christian hate, but not unmanned, we still 
Defy the great conspiracy of heaven 
And hell. ' What is 't you weaklings honor? 
Courage? Will indomitable ? Faith unwavering? 
Were ye not dead to every sense of wrong, 
If every spark of manliness were not 
Extinguished, you 'd bow before us as 
A nobler race, and proudly boast a kinship. 
Alas! The measure of our trial is 



Scene VI.] THOMAS BEKET. 33 

Yet unfilled, and for a time you still must be 
The Devil's instruments, for which he 
Hath ta'en away your hearts, and in their place 
Put hatred to the Jew. 

FooL I declare the Jew discharged. Now oppressed op- 
pressors, leave my court. \_ExciLnt peasants. 

Come Father Laban, I'll hide thee in the stables, and at 
night-fall thou hadst best be gone. \^Exeuiit. 



ACT II. 



Scene i. Westminster. Room in Beket's house. Enter 
John of Salisbury and Herbert DeBosham. 

Herbert. I know not what to think on 't, but fear me 
Evil times are about to fall upon the Church. 

John. He is bound to the King by every tie 
And will surely second all his wishes. 

Herbert. Yet 'twas no desire of his to be Archbishop, 

Enter Beket in a nionk's dress, listening. 

He long refused and only yielded 
When 'twas plainly seen that to run counter 
To the King would cost him every pleasure 
That makes life worth the living; royal favor, 
Wealth and popular applause. 

Beket. (coming forward) You wrong me ! 
Herbert. What means 

this apparition ? 



36 THOMAS BEKET. [Act II. 

Johit. A trick imagination plays upon us? 

Beket. Is sincerity so rare a visitor 
Your eyes behold it with astonishment? 

John. No, but to think that he who late was girt 
About with all magnificence, should now put on 
A monkish gfarb as if he had renounced the world. 

Beket. You would judge my goodness by my 
Costume, that's not wisdom; men are like books, 
The noblest matter 's often found beneath 
A worthless dress, and costly coverings 
Disappoint, when we discern the weaknesses 
They hide. This garb becomes me, I indeed 
Rank first in subject dignity, and yet 
The poorest beggar in this realm is richer 
In God's grace. You were counting up the cost 
Of opposition to the King; think'st thou 
Those were the sweets that made my share of life 
More palatable? Royal favor means 
Injustice, and where that is, royalty 
Is crime. "^^^ He builds on clouds who trusts thereon. 
Wealth? Should man in his little breathing time, 
Exhaust himself by eager striving 
In the mad race for wealth, when at the goal 
The victor's stripped of every penny 
And Croesus stands a pauper in the sight of Heaven! 



Scene I.] THOMAS BEKET. . 37 

Popular applause? That is the drunkards' 
Offering" to baseness ; to sober minds 
As fetid as the breath that makes it : 
That prize can only be contended for 
By liars ; its absence argues virtue. 
Mark me! Where every man is faithful 
None will be popular. 

John and Herbert. Count us as faithful. 

Beket. Then I '11 make trial of your fidelity. 
This casket holds the royal seal ; go both 
To Henry, tell him henceforth I '11 not be 
Chancellor, give this to him as earnest 
Of my wish to accomplish benefits 
He dreams not of. 

Jolui. This is a day of great 

Surprises! 

Herbert. And deeds incomprehensible ! 

Beket. Speak plainly, without seeking subterfuge. 
I hold him dearer who's manfully i' the wrong 
Than him who plays at see-saw with the truth 
And wavers with the tilting. 

John. The King's love 

Made you Chancellor, and gratitude Archbishop. 

Beket. You reprimand me. What an ingrate I ! 



38 THOMAS BEKET. [Act II. 

But ere that name be mine, resolve me this: — 
If the King wished you to risk salvation 
That he might do injustice, would you be 
His friend or enemy if you refused 
To yield obedience? You do not answer. 
Then do my bidding. Why do you linger? 

John. He is nor wise nor true whose feet are swift 
To carry evil tidings. 

Beket. We know not 

Good nor evil ; that which doth seem a curse to-day 
May prove to-morrow's blessing. 

yohn. The King hath 

Still in mind the counsel I gave Theobald. 

Herbert. Let us return the seal into your hands. 

yohn. I implore you consider the fatal 
Consequences of the step you're taking. 

Beket. Heaven's delegate is faithless 
When he thinks of consequences. Go ! \_Exeunt. 



Scene ii. 



Street in Falaise. Enter Richard, Archbishop of York ; 
Gilbert Foliot, Bishop of Londo7i ; Hilary, Bishop of Chi- 
chester ; «;^rf' John of Oxford. 

John. There's treachery in the camp, my lords ; the King 
Hath fallen out with Beket. 

Foliot. I knew it 

Would be so. 

John. He hath resigned the chancellorship 

At which the King is greatly angered. 

Foliot. I knew it would be so. 

John. I hold Beket 

In extremest dislike. 

Foliot. Hate, I would say, 

But that the term 's unclerical. 

Richard and Hilary. We love 

Him not. 

John. Now is our opportunity. 



40 THOMAS BEKET. [Act II. 

When the sun is up and shining brightly, 

We cannot hope to outface it, but when 

'Tis dimmed by clouds then we can venture on't, 

Point out its figure and the spots that blemish it. 

Hilary. What means this prologue pray? 
John. Nothing but 

this; 

The King hath given me orders to proceed 
At once unto the papal court at Sens, 
To apply the proper antidote to those 
Poisoned by the venom which our Archbishop 
Pukes in the spasms of piety that afflict him. 
Your substantial wishes would be welcomed. 

Richard. We applaud the King's selection, to aid 
The furthering of your worthy enterprise, 
That we can give, you may command. 

John. I thank 

You, and with due gratitude. The King's is 
Your cause and mine ; we erelong by some means 
Or other, shall catch him tripping. 

Foliot. Some means 

Or other! That means honestly I trust. 

JoJin. Any instrument with which you disarm 
An enemy, is used honestly. 



Scene II.] THOMAS BEKET. 4 1 

Foliot. My 

Wishes would gladly bear yours company 
Did not conscience whisper nay. 

John, (aside to Foliot.) Tut! Tut, my lord! 

Conscience is a thing- of our own begetting, 
And we may humor 't till like a spoiled child 
'Twill cry for the impossible. 

Foliot. I will 

Consult a while with my brethren and give 
You further audience. 

\_Exeunt Richard, Hilary and Foliot. 

John. Then I may count 

On him. Because he is balked in one thing, 
Everything that Beket does is looked upon 
Unkindly by the King. Foliot thought 
That he should have the primacy, and loathes 
The present occupant. Richard of York, 
Henry of Winchester, and Hilary 
Of Chichester, all think their godliness 
Was overlooked, and, by their jealousy. 
Display its worth. These all do beg of me 
To help them hate. If some men are foolish, 
And, like children, will buy what harms 'em, 
Are obstinately bent on its possession. 



42 THOMAS BEKET. [Act II. 

Why should I refuse to sell for a large price 

A commodity that costs me nothing? 

I '11 trade upon their foibles while it pays me ; 

Human prepossessions make the richest market 

For the enterprising. \^Exit. 



Scene hi. 



Room iiz the castle at SoiUhampto7i. The King and Beket. 

King. I have received thy message and the seal ; 
What meanest thou my lord ? 

Beket. To consecrate 

To heaven the little earthly life remains. 

King. I '11 aid thee in that praiseworthy effort. 
Thou art Archbishop and Archdeacon both 
Of Canterbury. Resign the latter 
Office. The great mass of filthy lucre 
That doth attach to't, weigheth on thy mind. 
I will remove the burden of that care 
That thou perchance may'st smile again, and we 
In thine perceive a friendly countenance. 

Beket. I shall yield if you demand it ; but must make 
Claims upon you which will atone for this. 
The town of Rochester, the castles both 
Of Rochester and Tunbridge are of my see: 



44 THOMAS BEKET. [Act II. 

These, and such as these, of which there's a Hst 
Of no mean length, must, if right is to be done. 
From the greedy maw of Clare and others 
Be speedily disgorged. 

Kins'. We '11 think awhile 

On that; right shall be done thou may'st depend on't. 
Beket, I am reluct to think that thou 
In very truth hast now deserted me; 
My memory of the past is never dulled 
By antics of capricious, new found fancies. 
Thou once didst aid me with all the energy 
Of thy bold mind ; yea, didst improve upon 
The methods I would practise. I have been 
No niggard in dealing out thy praises. 
Thou know'st my dearest thought was by thy help 
To reach the pinnacle of fame. Didst thou 
Raise hopes thus high, out of mere wantonness 
To dash them down again? 

Beket. When we looked 

On the landscape side by side, dost wonder 
That our minds alike were moved by the view? 
But turn we back to back ; the distant peaks 
That seem to you aflame with rosy light, 
To me are all invisible. 



Scene III.] THOMAS BEKET. 45 

King. Too late 

Wilt thou regret that thou hast turned thy back 
On friendship. 

Beket. When friendship 's incompatible 

With duty there is no alternative, 
If honesty means what it should. There is 
The pole-star; not there. 

King. I understand thee : 

What thou refus'st to do, shall yet be done 
If not so quickly. He who maketh tools 
Doth not depend upon a single instrument. 
I who made thee Primate, to do my work 
Can dispense with thee whate'er thou think'st on't. 
The church was planted by divinity. 
And groweth heavenward, as beseems it: 
That it may spread abroad the useful branches, 
It must be clipped at the top. Dost mark me 
My Lord of Canterbury? That I '11 do. 
And speedily. Benefit of clergy. 
By which justice hath so long been cheated, 
Shall cease to work iniquity. A priest 
In Worcestershire, debauched a girl; her father 
Made complaint; the priest hath murdered him. 
What punishment shall here be meted out? 



46 THOMAS BEKET. [Act II. 

Beket. The priest hath already from his office 
Been degraded, and shall in strict confinement 
With his grief, weep out life's lagging days. 

King. He should have short shrift and a high gallows. 

Beket. That which hath once been dedicate to heaven, 
Can for no earthly crime, be confiscate : 
They only who are deputies of God 
Can safely punish him. That hath been done; 
And the black spot that stained his life, is now 
In sorrow steeped and purified by tears. 

King. This is an idle plea for priestly power. 

Beket. The scales of justice are so finely poised 
A hair will turn the beam. When men throw spite 
Into the balance, God terms it vengfeance. 
So records it. You have played with the world 
As a thoughtless boy who tortures helplessness 
And smiles on agony, because he knows it not. 
When a starved peasant within your forest 
Kills a fawn, as much his as yours. 
To feed his children, is't for justice' sake 
That both his hands and feet are smitten off 
And his eyes put out ; and that was once a man 
Made hideous deformity? Thy father 
Geoffrey, because some priests thought it unmeet 



Scene III.] THOMAS BEKET. 47 

To approve his choice did mutilate them all/"^-' 
That is the justice of Plantagenet! 
King. Insolent priest! 

Beket. Unwelcome truth is always 

Insolent. 

King. I '11 hold no further parley, the Prelates 
And the Barons are by my order now 
Convoked, hard by at Clarendon, and there 
The evils that are daily perpetrated 
r the name of holy church, shall be examined 
And determined. Meet us there to-morrow. 
Be ready to comply with our demands, 
Reflect on what thou wert, thou art, and may'st be. 

Beket. I will. [^Exeunt. 



Scene iv. 

The cathedral cloisters, Winchester. Enter Beket and 
John of Salisbury. 

John. Wherefore these self accusings ? What you did 
Was wisely done. When tempests overtake 
The messenger, he is not blamed who waits 
For fairer weather. 

Beket. But if his message 

Be important, its import may be lost 
The while he lingers, 

John. Still it is wise to pause. 

Should he attempt to cross the ford that's swollen 
By storms, he and the message may be lost 
Together. The Legate advised you to't. 

Beket. He did, you will bear me witness that he did. 

John. You promised to observe the Constitutions. 

Beket. Alas! 

John. And thus obtained advantages. 



Scene IV.] THOMAS BEKET. 49 

When times are boisterous he who 'd hit the mark 
Must not think of aiming at it. 

Beket. No power 

Can turn the arrow that's barbed with perfect truth. 

John. We are simply human, perfection's not 
Our attribute ; he who seeks that doth give 
Offence to heaven and bhnded by its brightness 
Cannot know the earthly good he treads upon. 
Virtue must be restrained as well as vice ; 
For give it scope and 'twill become a crime. 
Let us think upon our faults, endeavor 
To correct them, remembering they are kin 
Of ours and partners in mortality. 

Bcket. Your argument is subtle, but I like it not; 
Our scholars now do prate so learnedly, 
They make assassination seem a virtue. ^^^ 
When we deceive others, we fool ourselves most. 
Within our special court for every sin 
A hundred pleaders rise to silence conscience 
By extenuation ; we list to them 
And leave the tribunal satisfied, when we 
Should be repentant. Thus wrong doth run its course, 
Till at the last, mere mention of temptation 
Is excuse enough, the jingle of the money 



50 THOMAS BEKET. [Act II. 

Exculpates the thief. This is the doctrine 

Of our wisest casuists; beware on't, 

For to my shocked mind, if we acquire faults thereby 

Our learning works more harm than ignorance doth, 

JoJin. For fear some error may be mixed therewith, 
Shall no man seek for wisdom? 

Beket. True wisdom 

Is immaculate, and unattainable 
By him who crawls through dirt to find it. 
Were men as honest with their consciences 
As with that envious faculty which they 
Term curiosity, this world might be 
Reparadised, and we not fear expulsion. 

Enter Grim, hastily. 

Grim. Boundless compliance, boundless compliance 
Wins the love of princes. 

Beket. Wherefore this anger? 

Grim, (to John) You were the counsellor! 

Beket. ^ What 

mean you Grim ? 

Grim. Have you consented to the Constitutions 
The King did promulgate at Clarendon ? 
Beket. I have, my son. 



Scene IV.] THOMAS BEKET. 5 1 

Grim. Better have leagued with hell ! 

He's but a fool who quarrels with a king 
And shrinks afeard when majesty doth threaten. 
Heaven must have blushed for such a champion. 
Who shall head the faithful when their captain 
Has deceived them ? Who shall protect the flock 
When their shepherd has deserted them ? 

Beket. I have done wrong, very wrong, and do repent me. 
Thou art a truer monitor, and hast 
Awaked the sleeper. Have mercy heaven 
Upon my weakness, nerve me with strength that I 
May falter nevermiore. [i^'.ri'?/;^/ Beket and Grim. 

John. My advice, he said, was casuistry, 
And that he scorned. Well, he shall shortly know 
What obstacles his honesty must halt at. 

Re-enter Grim. 

If the Archbishop repent, 'twill work more harm 
Than if he had been steady in his course. 

Grim. If ? He hath. The messenger even now 
Is hastening on his way to tell the King. 

yohfi. This grieveth me. The skilful pilot tacks 
To make the haven, and thouQfh retreatinsf 
Hath the port in view. 



52 



THOMAS BEKET. [Act II. 



Grim. He who hath aught to lose 

Is bribed : self and false judgment are twins. 

John. The little I 've acquired I fain would keep. 
Is that a sin ? If he retract, farewell 
All goods of mine. 

Grim. When right and might 

Encounter, all terrene things are worthless 
Till that contest's ended. ♦ 

John. Yet he who owns 

A precious gem will scarcely throw't away. 

Grim. Our dearest jewel, a spirit uncorrupted. 
Would then be well bestowed in heaven's treasury. 

John. Who cometh here in cogitative mood ? 

Grim. A wolf in sheep's clothing. Let us withdraw. 

[jExeun^. 

Enter Foliot. 

Foliot. Why cannot men be honest and straightforward ? 
Here's Beket now agrees to ratify . . 

The action of the King, surrendereth 
All his wonted pride and smileth on defeat. 
I could have honored him had he resisted 
Boldly ; but to double like a timid hare 
That feels the teeth of hounds before they catch him. 



Scene IV.] THOMAS BEKET. 53 

He who for such a man preserves respect 
Can merit none himself. Plantagenet 

Enter King and John of Oxford. 

And John of Oxford in earnest conversation : 
I'd Hke to know what 'tis they talk about. 
Sire, I was not present at your court to-day. 

King. Thou wert not missed ; but why wert thou not 
there ? 

Foliot. The probability of meeting- Beket 

King. Must that name ever ring within mine ears? 
Thou had'st best be careful how thou mock'st me. 
Foliot. Sire ! 

King. Beket hath retracted his consent. 

All 's at an end betw-een that man and me. 
Foliot. The villain ! 

King. The dirty mob doth cheer the act, 

And beggar monks do laud his sanctity. 

John. Mere idle noise. He who doth fly at power, 
Gets all his inspiration from the powerless; 
And sanctity is cheap where impudence 
Is thus mistaken for it. 



54 THOMAS BEKET. [Act II. 

Foliot, Sire, I wish 

To make amends for seeming- inattention. 
I am not lacking in true loyalty. 

King. Then come advise with me ; John of Oxford 
We shall see you presently. \^Exeiint King and Foliot. 

John. 'Tis very strange 

How meanings change as we do grow in years. 
This same obstinacy, for which a child 
Would be well whipped, is titled perseverance 
In a man. He's doubtless wise who knoweth 
His own father, but wiser far is he who 
Can clearly trace the lineage of his thoughts. 
Who would think now that so foul a mother 
Could give birth to so fair a progeny? 
Yet 'tis my belief, that at least one half 
Of all the virtues with which we credit 
Our poor humanity, are begotten 
By ill humor. 'Tis surely so with Beket. 
Did time permit, I 'd so display this precept 
As to hinge upon't a new philosophy; 
And teach the world the comfortable doctrine 
That every evil worketh good. \^Exit. 



Scene v. 

Westminster. Hall of William Rufus. Enter King with 
courtiers, among them John of Oxford. 

King. Now John of Oxford, what news hast thou 
From Sens? Hath his HoHness disposed his mind 
To take part in my quarrel ? 

John. He bade me 

Tender you assurance of his sympathy, 
Regret for your annoyance, and promised 
Shortly to deliver you effectually 
From your arch enemy. 

King. A curse upon 

Such promises ! I 've had enough of them ; 
They are like bubbles children blow in air, 
Appear as glittering jewels to the eye; 
Attempt to grasp them, and the hand doth close 
Upon a spot of dirtiness. 

John. Here is 

A letter which was written by Beket 



5 6 THOMAS BEKET. [Act II. 

To the Pope ; I obtained it, no matter how. 
Will 't please you read it? 

King, (reads) "The King's a tyrant 

Full of malice." Well 'tis but natural 
He should describe me thus; would 'twere the worst 
That he could do. 

John. You know 'tis Beket's hand? 

King. 'Tis his and could be sworn to 'mong a thousand. 
Hast thou no other? 

John. None, May I retain it? 

King. 'Tis thine to do with it as pleaseth thee. 
Since thou did'st visit Reginald, Archbishop 
Of Colog-ne, I have received some overtures 
From Barbarossa, 'tis but to give him 
My support, and Victor now enthroned 
In Rome, will excommunicate my foe; 
Alexander then '11 be deposed, to wander 
With his friend throughout the world and ruminate 
Upon the memory of unrequited 
Friendship. 

Joht. (aside) He doth proceed too hastily. 
Sire, pardon me, you must not think on that: 
It would be a sin for whose committal 
The pride of twenty Bekets would not compensate. 



Scene v.] THOMAS BEKET. 57 

Though blinded he's no Samson, and though he twine 

His arms around the pillars of our church, 

He cannot move them, his bones will vainly crack 

In the endeavor, while we securely 

Look upon his rage and calmly plot his ruin. 

Should you think fit 'twere well to rest awhile 

On Frederick's promise. 

Enter Foliot. 

Foliot. Sire ! sire ! The Primate 

As you know hath often fouled my good intent, 
Though I have been no enemy of his. 
But now 'tis changed, for I have learned such things 
That do release me from all bonds of duty. 

King. Proceed, we'll yield attentive audience. 

Foliot. Our holy Archbishop of Canterbury 
Hath made a compact with the brood of hell. 
And, in contempt of you, doth celebrate 
The sacred mass under the invocation 
Of the Evil Spirit. I have no lack 
Of witnesses and myself will testify 
To the truth of that I here have uttered. 

John. 1 'm glad of this, it hath relieved my heart 
And banished every scruple. 



^S , THOMAS BEKET. [Act II. 

King. Follot, 

John of Oxford, see that this crowning proof 
Of Beket's wickedness be known by all, 
That the realm may see how we're endangered 
And who doth aid the enemy we combat. 

John. But sire, to ground your cause immovably, 
I earnestly entreat that you do hale him 
To your court, demanding that he purge away 
The insult he did throw upon 't, when he 
Refused a personal appearance there. 
Compelled to answer, suddenly adjudge 
The instant payment of a sum he squandered 
When your Chancellor, that will touch his pride 
And swift rejection follow; let your claim 
Be moderate, trifling; thus shall your temperance 
Be apparent and all recrimination 
Lose its force. 

FoLiot. If he yield and pay the sum? 

King. He'll not yield, 'tis not in Beket's temper. 

^ohn. For fear of accidents, you '11 make some friend 
The judge, who will proceed in equity. 

King. ^ That shall be John of Oxford. 

JoJin. Then justice 

Shall be done indeed. My heart exulteth 



Scene V.] THOMAS BEKET. 59 

In the thought of his humihatlon. 

If he yield he acknowledgeth the wrong 

And fortifieth further claims upon him. 

For which my gentle lord you 'd best prepare 

By careful noting every circumstance 

Of this most hateful compact with the Devil. 

Be sure to stimulate your witnesses, 

That they be nothing loth to evidence, 

Give earnest promise of the King's protection. 

Let naught diminished be to prove his guilt, 

This shall o'erthrow him if all else fail. 

Exaggerate particulars if you will 

To scare the multitude ; a little wrong 

Is sanctified when it. repels a greater. 

S^Exit Foliot. 
Here comes the Archbishop. Foliot smelt him. 

Enter Beket. 

Beket. Sire, I crave a moment's conference with you. 

( The King docs not anszver, but gazing contemptuously 
on Beket slowly withdrazvs, courtiers following.) 

John. My lord, I do regret the difference grows 
Between the King and you. 



6o THOMAS BEKET. [Act II. 

Beket. - Were all regrets 

As hearty, sorrow would be known by smiles. 
The difference is healable ; could kings 
Be penitent, then popes might be physicians. 

Johii. To place dependence on the papal court 
Resembles leaning on a broken reed. 
Henry hath been informed of every fact, 
E'en the letters penned by you to Alexander 
Have been by me returned to our King 
That he might know what sort of man defies him. 

Beket. The Pope trust thee with letters writ by me ! 
Nay, rather would he trust thy friend, that vile 
Schismatic of Cologne. 'Tis false, slave! 

John Slave ? 

Beket. Who is so vile a slave as he whose mind 
Is heavy bound in chains of prejudice, 
So narrowly contract he cannot breathe 
A wholesome thought? Why should such soulless knaves 
Be suffered to perplex the world, to cry 
Halt to truth, and with base impediments 
To block the way of common honesty! 

John. Your elocution 's better than your reason. 
Yet in spite of all the correspondence. 
My King's and mine, with him you're pleased to term 



Scene v.] THOMAS BEKET. 6 1 

Schismatic of Cologne, his Hohness 

Dares not affront us, therefore these letters. 

(Hands a letter to Beket.) 

Behold! Is it not well writ? Note specially 

That part in which you say "the King's 

A tyrant full of malice." Can you deny 

The hand ? We 've had so many such of late 

That I '11 leave this one with you, digest it 

If you can. - \^Exit John. 

Beket. I suspected foes at Sens. 
The King's all powerful there, and lately said, 
That in the small circumference of his purse 
He held the Pope and all his Cardinals. 
This doth confirm that. I am abandoned. 
Alexander, God's vicegerent upon earth, 
Were you placed in that exalted office 
To be a pander to the basest passions? 
Wer€ the world crammed with argument, no reason 
Could be given why you should juggle us. 
When God coined man, he with his image stamped 
The quality, that at their true value 
Through the world they might pass unsuspected. 
But hell in part reversed heaven's intent: 



62 THOMAS BEKET. [Act II. 

And the great counterfeiter hath given 

Currency to beings made up of base alloy, 

Uncertain in the ring, and lacking weight. 

These brazen counters take the place of gold 

And frown upon the worthier metal ; 

But at the grand assay, the spurious from 

The true divided, these cozening pieces 

Shall be flung aside with dross and all impurity. YExit. 



ACT III. 



Scene i. Room i?i the Castle at Northampton. The King, 
FoLiOT and De Broc. 

King. Now is our Hercules without his club. 

The Pope at length hath sent me surest warrant 

That he 's no favorer of rebellion. 

Foliot. In the matter of the legacy P*^^^ 
King. Ay, 

In that. De Broc go quickly with your horsemen, 

Take up your quarters in the Canon's house 

Where Beket's lodged. 

De Broc. If he refuse to budge? 

King. Then force him out! 

De Broc. With all despatch I '11 do 

Your bidding. [Exit De Broc. 

Foliot. Sire, the Archbishop hath called 

His suffragans together to furnish him 
With prayerful counsel. 



64 THOMAS BEKET. [Act III. 

King. ■ Take note of aught 

Resembling disaffection, and as you 
Value my regard inform me who are 
Friends and enemies, 

Foliot. I will do so. \Exeunt. 



Scene ii. 



A street m Northampton. Enter Beket, Fitz Stephen 
and Grim. 

Beket. Nay, but to be thrust forth into the street 
Denied a shelter in the Canon's house ! 

Grim. This is the King's mahgnant act, I trow. 
An insult stains the soul of him who flings it, . 
Whether it reach the mark or not's indifferent. 

Fitz Stephen. And injuries meekly borne, shine like a 
glory 
Round the sufferer's head, grow brighter 
With the fleeting years, till at the judgment 
They '11 vie with heavenly radiance, when human eyes 
Shall be unsealed to see the virtues that redeemed 
Our race from base extinction. 

Beket. Thou art my 

Friends indeed. 

Grim. Whither go you now, my lord ? 



66 THOMAS BEKET. [Act III. 

Beket. To Henry of Winchester, he, of the Bishops, 
Is best indined toward me. 

Fitz Stephen, (aside) Not for any love 

He bears you, but because it gives annoyance 
To his royal cousin. 

Beket. Thence to the conclave 

And my trial. 

Grim. Remember Clarendon ! [Exeunt. 



Scene hi. 

Room in the Castle at Northampton. Conclave of the 
Bishops. Beket; Henry, Bishop of Winchester ; Foliot; 
Hilary, Bishop of Chichester ; Robert, Bishop of Lincobt ; 
Bartholomew, Bishop of Exeter ; Roger, Bishop of Wor- 
cester, etc., etc. 

Beket. Now more than ever is it apparent 
That if we had consented to degrade 
The spiritual, and exalt the temporal. 
There would have been no quarrel ; our refusal 
Is the motive for this persecution. 
Hence I am charged with treason to the King, 
And friendship's gifts are now declared debts 
To swell the accusation ; hence money 
Freely given and spent in the King's service 
Before Toulouse, is now set down against me. 
The revenues from Eye and Berkhamstead, 
From the vacant bishoprics and abbacies 
When I was Chancellor, are demanded; 
An amount so vast as would involve my see 



68 THOMAS BEKET. [Act III. 

In beggary to pay the tithe of it. 
Thus Henry's hate reveals the fell intent 
To ruin me ; and thus beneath the ermine 
Peeps an enemy. In this predicament 
I ask your counsel. For me, the question 
Is resolved to this: God's anger or man's? 
And as you fear that you will answer me. 
Did not the King's son and all the Barons, 
When I was consecrate, declare me free 
From every bond? 

He7iry. When you were promoted 

To the Church of Canterbury, you were 
Discharged from all the bonds and reckonings , 
In the temporal court. None of the Bishops here 
Can fail in just remembrance of the same. 

Foliot. I beseech you forget not whence you are, 
To whom you are indebted ; to consider 
The danger in which you've placed the Church 
In this most perilous and stormy time. 
Is't not the duty of her faithful son 
To think of her or e'er he thinks of self? 
If that be so then render to the King 
The dignities he hath bestowed on you. 
The show of humbleness may work excuse 



Scene III.] THOMAS BEKET. 69 

And peradventure free the Church, ourselves 
And you from every other penalty. 

Beket. I well perceive whither you tend, my lord. 

Henry. That counsel heeded, our subversion follows, 
And then Holy Church will be dependent 
On each king's caprice ; worldly policy 
Will be a doctrine, submission to the crown 
A creed. 

Hilary. I must counsel moderation 
And advise we yield a little to the King. 

Robert. 'Tis clearly manifest the Archbishop's life 
Is sought. Therefore of two things, one must be 
Chosen ; his archbishopric or his life. 
Now what profit he can take i' the primacy 
His head being off, I do not greatly see. 

Bartholoineiv. This present persecution is not general, 
But is personal and particular. 
Through one alone the affliction cometh, 
By him can all calamity be stayed. 
'Tis plainly preferable that he should suffer 
Than that the whole Church of England perish. 

Roger. If I declare that the pastoral function 
And the cure of souls should be relinquished 
At kingly will or threatening, then should I 



JO THOMAS BEKET. [Act III. 

Most surely pronounce my condemnation. 
If I advise resistance to the crown, 
There be those attending will report it 
And I shall presently be thrust from out 
The synagogue, and be accounted rebel. 
Therefore, as now befits this time and charge, 
I neither utter this, nor counsel that. 

Beket. I do commiserate the state of those 
Who hide their cowardice beneath the cloak 
Of sufferance. 

Eiiter Kings Messenger. 

Messejzger. My lords, the King commands 
Appearance in his court. 

\_Exeunt except Beket, Winchester and Salisbury. 
Beket. 'Tis Saint Stephen's clay, 

The introit prophesies the scene that is 
To follow. \^Exe2int. 



Scene iv. 

Nottinghain Castle. Great Hall of Council. John of 
Oxford presiding. Foliot, Robert, Bishop of Hereford; 
Hilary, Bishop of Chichester ; Tracy, Brito, Fitz Urse, 
De Broc ; officers of the Court, etc. Prelates and Lords 
Temporal seated. 

John. There are those present whom the King suspects 
Do minister to Beket's aid and comfort ; 
To such I now address myself. Henceforth 
The repetition of such acts will make 
The doer traitor, and the headsman more expert. 

Enter Beket in full pontificals and bearing his cross. 

Robert. My lord, I pray you suffer me. 

(Endeavors to take the cross from Beket.) 

Foliot. (approaching Beket) If the King 

Shall see you in this guise approach his court 
He'll surely draw the sword against the cross. 
Unequal match ; his arm is stronger far 
Than yours. 



72 THOMAS BEKET. [Act III. 

Beket. Not so, his sword can cut my body 

And fell me to the earth ; my cross can wound 
His soul and smite him down to hell ! 

Enter the King hastily. 

John, (to the King) Our enemy's in full pontificals. 
'Twere dangerous to seize him now. 

King, (to Beket) Wherefore 

Comest thou in such array unto my court ? 
Such thing hath not been seen before by any 
Christian king. "Tis more like a traitor's act 
Than subject come to hear his sentence. 

Tracy. This 

Shame redounds not only against the King, 
But against the realm itself. 

Fitz Urse. This all comes 

From doing honor to a beast ! 

( T2i}nultuous cries throughotit the court. John zuhispers 
to the Kijtg and beckons to Hilary who approaches.) 

John. Silence ! 

What need delay ? Pronounce, my Lord of Chichester ! 

Hilary, (addresses Beket) Once wert thou our primate 
and we were bound 



Scene IV.] THOMAS BEKET. 73 

To thy obedience ; but forasmuch as thou 

Who, with emphasis didst swear allegiance, 

Dost still resist the King, and dost contemn 

The ordinances pertaining to his honor 

And royal dignity, we here pronounce 

Thee perjured; and since 'twere shame in us to yield 

Obedience to a perjurer, we now 

Do place ourselves beneath the Pope's protection 

And cite thee to his presence. 

Beket. I hear you. 

King. Beket, Beket, how feeble thou art now! 

Beket. Henry, I charge you be at peace with God. 
I know the phantasies which you have cherished, 
And how the flame of hot desire was fanned 
By young ambition. Be not deluded, 
Glory's a dream, forgotten when we wake. 
The very clouds that dark a summer's sky. 
And melt in rain upon the thirsty earth. 
In simple benefit transcend the bounds 
Of human capability. 

King, (to the Barons) By the faith 
Ye owe me, do me prompt justice on this 
My liegeman. 



74 THOMAS BEKET. [Act III. 

Beket. I '11 not submit so tamely ! 

I claim the arbitrament of the Pope, 
To whom, before you all, I do appeal; 
And now commit my Church of Canterbury, 
My office, and all that's appertaining, 
Unto his direction ; nor shall you escape 
My fellow Bishops, who fear earthly power 
More than heavenly justice. I summon you 
To the audience of the Pope, and now depart 
As from the enemies of the Catholic Church 
And apostolic see. 

King. The villain hath 

Disarmed us ! 

Tracy. Traitor ! 

Brito. Thief! 

Fitz Urse. Perjurer! 

De Broc. Liar! 

Beket. Thou art very brave De Broc, I saw thee 
But yesternight enter a peasant's cot, 
And heard thee utter foulest maledictions 
Against an ag-ed woman. Her wolf-hound 
Growled, whereat thou saidst: "good dog, nice dog, sweet 
dog." 



Scene IV.] ' THOMAS BEKET. - c 

Thy magnanimity that cursed thy kin, 

Could comphment a brute, when thou didst fear 

'Twould bite thee! 



AN INTERVAL OF SEVEN YEARS. 



ACT IV. 



Scene i. Room in the Abbey of St. Columba, Sens. 
Enter Beket and Grim. 

Grim. Does your purpose hold, my lord, for England ? 

Beket. Yes, at length my mind's made up, no more will I 
Solicit Rome. Full seven years have I tarried 
In the hope that Alexander would support 
My feeble arm in this most holy work. 
Seven years a wretched exile from my church, 
A banishment prolonged by papal artifice. 
Were they determinately bent on right 
In this fierce quarrel, one question would be asked : 
"Whose cause is Heaven's?" Swift answer would be given, 
Decision reached, and vacillation cease. 
But like a pendulum, the Pope vibrates 
Between the right and wrong, so nearly touching each. 
He doth encourage both. Does that become a man 
Whose hands do hold the keys, reward for good, 
And punishment for ill? At Rome 'tis now 



7 8 THOMAS BEKET. [Act IV. 

As erst it was within Jerusalem ; 
Integrity's a lonely stranger there. 
The winged swarms of hates and spites infest 
And poison all. Iniquity's enthroned, 
Heaven's dearest gift despised, all honor gone, 
The cause of justice treated with foul scorn, 
While grinning enmity is eager for my. life 
And every Pharisee doth cry aloud : 
"Release Barrabas ! Crucify the Christ ! " 

Enter Fitz Stephen. 

Fitz Stephen (to Grim). Shall we inform him on 't ? 

Grim. Per- 

chance 'twere best. 

Fitz Stephen. My lord, King Louis in haste hath hither 
sent 
Entreaty that you will at least delay 
Your purposed journey. The English coast is watched 
By armed men, each one a murderer, 
Since nothing but your life will satisfy them. 
Our English King on hearing your intent. 
Was wild with passion ; threw off his cap, his belt. 
Tore both his hair and garments, foamed at the mouth. 
And raved as if possessed with evil spirits. 



Scene I.] THOMAS BEKET. 79 

Beket. And that man thinks he hath abihty 
To rule the universe ; yet he, poor fool ! 
Cannot control the puny faculties 
That make him more than beast ! 
Thou hast seen a tranquil lake reflecting 
Autumn's sunset, and been rapt in wonder 
As the beauteous tints have chased each other 
O'er the surface, and hast marked how faithful 
'T was to heaven. Such is the mind of man-: 
When God's peace rests thereon, it straight assumes 
The reflex of divinity, and shows 
The glory that was latent round about it ; 
Reveals the good of which humanity 
Is capable, and joys our better part 
With noble prophecies of nobler times : 
But when 't is ruffled by a storm of passion, 
The imagery 's confused, reflection's power 
Lost ; and human speech becomes as senseless 
As the wild waves' frothy turbulence. 
They threaten me you say ? 

Fitz S. With death if you dare venture on this errand. 

Beket. Shall that delay me ? No ! Threats are for those 
who fear ; 



go - THOMAS BEKET. [Act IV. 

Courage is the soul of all endeavor ; 
The cause is dead that hath it not. 

Fitz S. Why should 

A kingdom arm itself against one man ? 

Beket. That's the expression of their admiration ; 
To be hated by the evil is a compliment. 

Grim. I marvel men are so alert for wrong ; 
Such very snails when good is to be done. 

Beket. An evil spirit dwells in royal courts, 
And doth reverse the maxims of morality, 
Making it honorable to cringe, to smirk, 
To lie, to fawn and flatter. The stuff is poor 
Of which our new regality is made, 
As poor as are the services it renders,. 
'T is the arch patron of obsequiousness. 
As this world sfoes, the preatest monarch 's he 
Who best displays ability to bribe : 
Association is education 
Thus our noblemen are most ignoble. 

Fitz S. Surely to be well born must count for something? 

Bekst. For everything, if by 't you mean great souled ; 
That's not your thought; 'twould overturn the state, 
The first would be the last, the last the first. 



Scene I.] THOMAS BEKET. 8 1 

A peasant's child whose only heritage 

Is mental purity, is nobler born 

Than he who was begotten in a palace, 

And in whose veins doth course the tainted blood 

Of Kings 1^^^ 

(Cries heard zmthout.) 

Am I called ? What mean those voices ? 
Grim. Ill news doth travel quickly, thus your mind 
Had scarce conceived the plan of your departure 
When our fellow exiles resident in Sens 
Despondent gathered at the abbey gate. 
There are they now, the men with sorrow dumb, 
The women all distraught. Grief is not grief 
When shared with those for whom we grieve ; but once 
Divorce the sufferers, what was simple sorrow 
Becomes calamity. 

Beket. I feared their summons. 

Thou hast touched the craven part of me. 
When enmity in vain provoketh cowardice 
Love oft can do 't. This obligation 's clear, 
Yet gladly would I shirk the parting. 

[^Exeunt Beket, Fits Stephen and GiHin. 



Scene ii. 

Before the Abbey of St. CohLinba. Exiles discovered k7ieel- 
ing arou7id Beket. 

Beket. Farewell ! Farewell ! The word 's unpalatable, 
And hath a taste of death about it 
That chokes the voice with variable utterance, 
And fills the eyes with tears. Use makes its use 
More difficult; 'tis the first word our infant tongues 
Lisp seriously, the last we whisper with regret, 
Joy's fitful flashes scarce illumine youth 
When sorrow comes, and like a constant cloud 
Obscures our sun till gloomy shadows deepen 
Into night. Our birth is the beginning 
Of our death ; our life a long farewell. 

First Exile. Home, country, friends were all -for thee 
forsaken 
And thou dost leave us to despair. 

Beket. Weep not. 

Omnipotence with tend'rest eye beholds 
The weakest struggler. 



Scene II.] THOMAS BEKET. 83 

Second Exile. Would we could think so. 

Beket. Faithful so long, be not distrustful now. 
God's pity compasseth this little world ; 
It is emblemed in the snowy mantle 
That he flings about it, which rests as chaste 
Above impurity as when it clothes 
The couch of sleeping violets. 

(Scene closes with the ArcJibishop' s benediction.) 



ACT V. 



Scene i. Room in the castle of the Duke of Normandy at 
Falaise. The King, Fitz Urse, Tracy, Morville, Brito, 
Coiiidiers, etc. 

Enter Sir Richard Lucy, breathless. 

King. Speak man ! I fear unwelcome news when breath 
Fails the messenger. 

Lucy. Your royal son in haste 

Despatched me hither. The rude elements, 
More loyal than your subjects, with glad assistance 
Hastened me. Scarce had my foot made imprint 
On your Norman coast, when the ready steed 
Champed at the bit and neighed impatiently, 
All eagerness to bear me to this presence 
That here maturer wisdom might furnish 
Counsel fit to smooth the ruffled front 
Of this distracted time. 

(Hands the King a letter.) 



85 THOMAS BEKET. [Act V. 

King. My foe in England ! 

I can scarce believe it. 

Lucy. Close at hand are they • 

Whom I, more fleetly mounted, did o'ertake. 
Even now they enter ; my lord of York 
Will doubtless give emphatic confirmation. 

Enter Archbishop of York. 

Archbishop of York. The realm is all o'errun with 
violence ; 
The kingdom in a flame. Rebellious Beket 
Hath excommunicated us, and all 
Concerned in the young King's coronation. 

Enter Gilbert Foliot, Bishop of London ; Hugo, of Dur- 
ham ; JocELYN, of Salisbu7y ; «;/rt^ Walter, of Rochester. 

King. More bearers of evil tidings. 

Foliot. ■ Sire ! Sire ! 

From you we ask protection ; the Primate 
Hath denounced us all. The lightnings of the Church, 
Though dealt by that unworthy hand, have blasted 
All our power for usefulness in England ; 
And proud authority hath nerveless fallen 
Before the blatantcy of tumult. 



Scene I.] THOMAS BEKET. 87 

Better De Broc. 

De Broc. That villain priest hath now confounded all ; 
With huge bodies of horse and foot he marches 
Through the realm, and with successful eloquence 
Doth urge the timid English to revolt. 

King. Oh ! I am bravely served. So many tongues 
To tell me of my wrongs, and not an arm 
To right them ! This man who came to my court 
On a lame horse, doth lift his foot to kick me, 
And not one of all the lazy varlets 
Whom I nourish dares resent the insult. 
Go ! Get thee gone and worship him ! I am 
No longer king ! 



Scene ii. 

Room in the archiepiscopal residence adjoining Cantei^- 
bury Cathedral. Beket, Grim and Monks seated ; some 
reading and some transcribing manuscripts. 

(A monk yaw7ts.) 

Beket. (to the monk) What, art thou wearied with over- 
study ? 
Monk. No, but I have finished the volume. 
Beket. How hast thou finished it? 

Monk. I must entreat 

Your pardon ; I do not understand you. 

Beket. Then thou dost not understand what thou hast 
said. 
To read with profit, the book should merely 
Be an index, and the mind should be the book. 

(Noise heard as of loud knocking on the door without.) 

Who are those brawlers ? Admit them ! 

Enter Fitz Urse, Tracy, Morville and Brito. 

What want ye ? 



Scene II.] THOMAS BEKET. 



89 



Fitz Urse. We bear an order from the King, and since 
It appertains to you alone, we freely 
Bid you choose if these shall be our auditors. 

Beket. There's no need of privacy, they shall stay 
And hear you ; for truly these are worthy men ; 
Modesty itself might speak before them. 

Fitz Urse. We bring this mandate from our King, with 
power 
To compel obedience to 't, and here, and now, 
Demand that you pronounce the absolution 
Of the Bishops. 

Beket. With power to compel ! 

Is your king omnipotent that he deals out 
Compulsion thus ? He is deceived. Bid him 
Compel the winged foresters to sing ; 
That, if experience hath power to teach him aught, 
Will prick the bladder of desertless pride 
And I shall be submission. 

Fitz Urse. Wilt thou absolve 

The Archbishop ? 

Beket. Our sovereign lord the Pope 

Hath excommunicated him ; it were 
Presumption should I interfere in that. 



90 THOMAS BEKET. [Act V. 

Fitz Urse. Thou art a quibbling traitor, deserving 
Of a traitor's death. 

Beket. I am no traitor. 

Tracy. From whom hast thou thy power ? 

Beket. The spirit- 

ual rights 
From Heaven and the Pope, the temporal from 
The King. 

Morville. Will you resign the temporal rights ? 

Beket. I will not. 

Fitz Urse. Then art thou doubly traitor ; 

For thou thyself hast said that he who's false 
To Heaven loseth Heaven ; and he that's traitor 
To the King, doth forfeit kingly gifts. 

Beket. He that is true to Heaven cannot be false 
To man ! On that I found my claim to rights 
Both spiritual and temporal. Son Reginald, 
Since my late coming over here I have 
Sustained many injuries in person 
And in goods ; notwithstanding that the King 
Did promise I should live in safety and in peace. 
And even thou, who should be the last to vex me. 
Dost pester me with menaces. 



Scene II.] THOMAS BEKET. C)i 

Fit 2 Urse. If you 

Are wronged, the course of law is open, why do 
Not you complain ? 

Beket. To whom may I complain ? 

Fitz ilT-se. To whom ? To the young King. 

Beket. Shall the 

eagle's prey 
Crave pity from the eaglet ? That way is stopped, 
I am forbid to make appeal to him ; 
How then from him can I expect redress ? 
All benefit of justice and of reason 
Is denied me ; but such right and such law 
As an archbishop can have ; that will I exercise, 
And will be let by no man. 

Fitz Urse. He defies us ! 

He shall repent of this. In the King's name 
We command you, suffer him not to 'scape us. 

S^Exeunt Fitz Urse, Tracy, Moi^ville and Brito. 

Beket. Fear it not, when ye come, ye shall find me. 
'Tis the vesper bell, let us to the church. 

Grim. Not now, when murderers arm for your destruc- 
tion. 
Come ! while yet there's time. Fly ! by the secret passage 



92 THOMAS BEKET. [Act V. 

To the cloisters, or by the narrow stairway 
To the roof. 

Beket. Were I to shrink as if ealled 

From the burden, 'twould prove my life has had 
But little purpose in't. Our past should be 
A prelude to the harmonies of duty. 
Come ! 'tis the hour of prayer. \_Exeuiit. 



Scene hi. 

Nave and choh' of Canterbury Cathedral. Beket, Grim, 
Monks, Choristers, etc. walk slowly in procession to the altar. 
The organ pealing and Choristers cha7iting. 

Noise heard of the Knights endeavoring to force open the 
cathedral gates, upon which some Mo7tks hasten to seacre them. 

Beket. Unbar the doors ! This is a temple, not 
A fortress ! 

The gates opened. Enter Fitz Urse, Tracy, Brito and 
MoRViLLE in ainnor with shields^^^ ajid drawn swords. 

Fitz Urse. Where is the wicked traitor ? 
Morville. Where is the Archbishop ? 

(Beket stajiding on the first step of the altar turns and 
confronts his w,urderers.) 

Beket. - Here! Here! 

Fitz Urse. - Once 

more 
Wilt thou absolve the Bishops ? 

Beket. When they repent. 

But not before. 



94 THOMAS BEKET. [Act V. 

Fitz Urse. Then thy Hfe shall answer it. 

\^Exeunt terrified Monks a?id Choristers. 

Beket. Thou art welcome to the good that it will do thee. 
Insensate ye who fight against the Church ; 
She stands invincible, and like a mighty cliff 
That rears its giant form above the roaring tide, 
Hurls the wild breakers back into the deep 
Mocking eternity ! 

Morville. Again, wilt thou 

Absolve the Bishops ? 

Beket. No ! 

Fitz Urse. Then die ! and thus 

(KnigJits attack Beket, who falls.) 
May perish all such traitors ! YExeufit Knights. 

Grim, (kneelifig by the side of Beket and supporting him.) 

My master still ! 

Beket. O faithful Grim ! A joy unspeakable 
Possesseth me. 

Grim. 'T is death. 

Beket. And death is victory ! "^^^ 

YDies. 



NOTES. 



NOTES. 



ACT 1. 

Note i, Page 5. Thierry, (Norman Conquest, i. 233 and note.) says : 
"According to an old rhyme, the first lord of Conigsby, named William, came 
fi-om Brittany, with his wife Tiffany, his servant Maufas, and his dog Hardi- 
gras." (Hearne, proef, ad Joh. de Fordun. Scoti-chronicon, p. 170. 

Note 2, Page 6. In England, at this time, no more solemn oath could be 
taken than one sworn "by the abbey of Glastonbury." See Oaths; their 
Origin, Nature, and History. James Endell Tyler, B. D., p. 154. 

Note 3, Page 10. William 11., (Rufus) was killed by Walter Tyrell, while 
hunting in the New Forest, Aug. 2, iioo. 

Note 4, Page 17. Eleanor, Queen of Henry 11., was divorced from Louis 
VII. of France. 

Note 5, Page 18. This troubadour was Bernard de Ventadour. 

"Cette princesse (El^nore) trop connue par ses galanteries accueillit le 
troubadour avec une bont^ pleine d'estime et de consideration. II osa bien- 
tot soLipirer pour elle. Quoique le langage de I'amour ne fut souvent qu'un 
jeu d'imagination ou d'esprit, il paroit vraiment s(irieux dans les chansons 
oil Bernard celebre El^nore." • 

"J'aimerois mieux, mourir du tourment que j'endure, tjue de soulager mon 
coeur par un aveu t^meraire. Elle m'a permis, il est vrai, de lui faire telle 
demande que je voudrai. Mais j'aurois a lui faire une demande de si haut 



98 



NOTES. 



prix, qu'un roi ne devroit point la risquer. Cependant elle approuve que je 
lui ecrive, et elle fait lire." — Histoire Litteraire des Troubadours, Paris, 1774, 
Tome I., 30, 31. 

This Troubadour must not be confounded with Bertrand de Born, whom 
Dante (for his crimes in connection with the family of Henry 11.) has placed 
in the Inferno, where carrying by the hand his severed head like a lamp he 
rians about, while it proclaims his crimes and laments his fate. Inferno, xviii., 
118-139. 

Note 6, Page 19. "Paterins, heretiqu^s qui s'^leverent dans le xii. si^cle, 
et qui furent condamnees en 1 1 79, dans le concile general de Latran, sous 
Alexander in." 

"On tire leur nom du mot latin pati, qui veut dire souffrir, parcequ'ils af- 
fectoient de souffrir tout avec patience et se vantoient encore d'etre envoyes 
dans le monde pour consoler les afiflig(^s." — Moreri, viii., 117. 

"Les maledictions dont se chargeaient reciproquement les deux' papes 
et les deux clerg^s, les anecdotes scandaleuses qu'ils r^v^laient imprudem- 
ment les uns sur les autre^, et qui rendaient tous les pretres ^galement odieux, 
contribuaient aux progres des sectaires, Ceux-ci, sons les noms divers d'apos- 
toliques, de publicains, de pat^rins, tendaient tous ^galement a la r^forme de 
I'Eglise. On ne peut gutre signaler leurs propres qu'aux buchers allumes 
pour les d^truire ; c'est par leur supplice seulement qu'on apprend leur exist- 
ence simultan^e dans toutes les provinces de la Gaule, de I'Espagne, de ITtalie 
et de la Germanie ; de meme les punitions qui leur furent inflig^es cette ann^e 
par le concile d'Oxford nous annoncent leur passage de Goscogne en Angle- 
terre. 

Les pr^lats anglais ordonncrent que les novateurs, apri^s avoir ^t^ battus 
de verges, fussent marques au front avec un fer rouge ; en meme temps ils 



NOTES. 99 

interdirent a tons les Chretiens de Jes recevoir dans leurs maisons, ou de leur 
fournir aucun aliment, aucun remede, aucun habit. Les pretres reussirent a 
rendre ce supplice plus cruel encore que le bucher. Les novateurs, aban- 
donn^s sur les grand chemins, au milieu des plus grand froids de I'hiver, avec 
leurs ^paules sanglantes et leurs fronts 'cauterises, y p^rirent presque tous de 
faim, de froid et de misere, r^p^tant jusqu' a la fin des passages de 1' Ecriture, 
dans lesquels sont b^nis ceux qui encourent la haine des hommes, ou qui 
s'exposent aux persecution pour I'amour de Dieu." — Sismondi, Histoire des 
Francais, iv., 12, 13. 

Also, see Hume, Hist. England, i., 422. 

Note 7, Page 21. "Engleran de Trie, a valiant French knight, who, in 
full armor, rode furiously against Beket, his lance in the rest ; the priest un- 
horsed the knight and made a prize of his charger." — Campbell's Lord Chan- 
cellors, I., 73. 

Note 8, Page 23. "Salisbury (Jean Petit, plus connu sous le nom de) le 

plus savant homme de son sitjcle." "Pendant ses loisirs, Jean 

avait termini un ouvrage plus connu que celui que nous venons de citer ; 
c'est le PolycraticHS, production tresremarquable pour le temps, sous le 
double rapport de I'^rudition et du style. II adressa ce Traits a Thomas 
Becket, chancelier d' Angleterre." — Biographie Universelle, XL., 170, 171. 

"Polycraticus" treats of wealth and worldly honors, the evils which accom- 
pany prosperity, the duties of life and the vanities that take their place. It 
denounces flatterers and parasites, pride and avarice. It condemns the vices 
of every class of Society ; regrets the errors of humanity, and eulogizes virtue 
as absolutely essential to the happiness of men. 

Note 9, Page 24. John of Salisbury studied under the famous Abelard. 
Biographie Universelle, xl., 171 ; Hist. France, Michelet, i., 246, note. 



lOO NOTES. 

Note io, Page 26. "Now, when Aggrippa hadreigned three years all over 
Judea, he came to the city Cassarea, which was formerly called Strato's Tower ; 
and there he exhibited shows in honor of Caesar, upon his being informed 
that there was a certain festival celebrated to make vows for his safety. At 
which festival, a great multitude was gotten together of the principal persons, 
and such as were of dignity through his province. On the second day of 
which shows he put on a garment made wholly of silver, and of a contexture 
truly wonderful, and came into the theatre early in the morning ; at which 
time the silver of his garment being illuminated by the fresh reflection of the 
sun's rays upon it, shone out after a surprising manner, and was so resplend- 
ent as to spread a horror over those that looked intently upon him ; and pres- 
ently his flatterers cried out, one from one place, and another from another 
(though not for his good,) that 'he was a god' ; and they added, 'Be thou 
merciful to us ; for although we have hitherto reverenced thee only as a man, 
yet shall we henceforth own thee as superior to mortal nature.' Upon this 
the king did neither rebuke them, nor reject their impious flattery. But as he 
presently afterwards looked up, he saw an owl sitting on a certain rope over 
his head, and immediately understood that this bird was the messenger of ill 
tidings, as it had once been the messenger of good tidings to him ; and fell 
into the deepest sorrow. A severe pain also arose in his belly, and began in 
a most violent manner. He therefore looked upon his friends and said, 'I, 
whom ye call a god, am commanded presently to depart this life ; while Prov- 
idence thus reproves the lying words you just now said to me ; and I, who 
was by you called immortal, am immediately to be hurried away by death. 
But I am bound to accept what Providence allots, as it pleases God ; for we 
have by no means lived ill, but in a splendid and happy manner.' Accord- 
ingly he departed this life being in the fifty fourth year of his age, and in the 
seventh year of his reign." — Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, iii.. Book xix., 
Chap. 8. 



NOTES. lOI 

Note ii, Page 26. I. e. the index finger. ''The Roman sortes were 
transferred, in the Middle Ages, to the Scriptures, under the name of Sortes 
Sane torn jn:'—Yo%hrdkt^ Antiquities, i., 327. 

Note 12, Page 30. At this time it was not uncommon for the barons, and 
even the king to extract the teeth of a Jew in the endeavor to extort money 
from him. "King John once demanded 10,000 marks from a Jew of Bristol ; 
and on his refusal, ordered one of his teeth to be drawn every day till he 
should comply. The Jew lost seven teeth ; and then paid the sum required 
of him."— Hume, Hist. Eng., 11., 226. 

Note 13, Page 30. Appolonia was apphed to for curing the toothache. 
Fosbrooke's Antiquities, i., 99. 

ACT II. 

Note i, Page 36. "Royalty is crime." This expression was frequently 
heard during the times immediately subsequent to the Norman Conquest. 

Henry of Huntingdon, Anglia Sacra, p. 699 ; Thierry's Norman Conquest, 
I, 360. 

Note 2, Page 47. I must refer the reader to the note (Q) in Hume's 
Hist. Eng., Vol. i., 482, ed. London, 1796. 

Note 3, Page 49. "They make assassination seem a virtue." John of 
Salisbury himself contends in his Polycraticus (Leyden, 1639, p. 206.) that 
"it is praiseworthy and just to flatter a tyrant, to throw him off" his guard and 
kill him." Beket's unexpected and decided stand occasioned John consider- 
able uneasiness ; he was always afraid that his property would be confiscated, 
and counseled Beket to timid measures. Michelet, Hist. France, i., 241, note. 



I02 NOTES. 

ACT III. 

Note 3, Page (^Ty- The king publicly exhibited the Pope's letters in which 
the latter consented to Henry's request and promised to appoint Roger, (erro- 
neously printed Richard throughout these pages) Archbishop of York, apos- 
tolical legate, and to suspend Beket from all authority as Archbishop. Thierry, 
11., 89. 

ACT IV. 

Note i. Page 81. Beket in one of his letters (the Rescript, or answer to 
all his suffragans) makes use of these words : — 

"Ye say moreover, that I was exalted and promoted from a base and low 
degree to this dignity by him. [Henry 11.] I grant that I came of no royal 
or kingly blood ; yet notwithstanding I had rather be in the number of them 
whom virtue of mind than of birth maketh noble." 

ACT V. 

Note i, Page 93. The knights in ancient representations of this murder 
are distinguished by their shields : Fitz Urse, three bears passant ; Brito, three 
bears heads muzzled ; Tracy, two bars gules ; Morville, fretty fleur-de-lis. 

Note 2, Page 94. It was also "victory" in another sense ; victory in con- 
sequence of which Henry submitted to be flogged at the altar of Canterbury. 
He laid at the Pope's feet his recent conquest of Ireland, imposed the tax of 
Peter's penny upon each house in that country, renounced the Constitutions 
of Clarendon, covenanted to pay towards the Crusade, to serve himself if the 
Pope required it, and declared England a fief of the Holy See. Michelet, 
Hist. France, i., 248. 



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